About
The Christmas Lights Committee have been in operation for about 20 years. We are a social bunch of volunteers, who work all around the year to raise funds for the upkeep of the lights. Many activities are required – some of these are as follows:
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Planning the year of fundraising activity
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Running of key fund-raising events
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Repairing the lights
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Preparing the street
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Organising & manning the street closure
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Organising and running the Switch-on event
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Working with the schools to contribute
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If you would like to contribute or volunteer, please get in touch.
THE TEAM BEHIND THE LIGHTS
Since the late founding members Les Goodman and Brian Jackson started raising funds, the Christmas lights have been lighting up Henley.
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Now, Brian Westmacott chairs the committee with seven active members who contribute to the fundraising activities and volunteer their time to support this cause. Eric is the technical man behind the lights ensuring they are maintained to the highest standards, dearly supported by his wife, Shiela.
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Kit is the point man for the 100 Club and the central coordinator for the switch-on. Val, Judy and Holly are the driving force behind many of the operations, which bring the whole committee together and certainly hold everyone to the tasks at hand.
Sue Dalby is the committee secretary and the fantastic caterer who, without her, most of the events in Henley would not happen. This team of volunteers brightens up the place every year.
FACTS & HISTORY OF THE LIGHTS
Since 1992 the lights have been a defining part of Beaudesert and Henley. These lights have gone through many different extensions and changes to make sure they survive the outdoor conditions.
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There are around 2000 light bulbs
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There are 2 miles of cables
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The lights cost £12,000 per annum to maintain
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There has been a transition to LED bulbs rather than the filament bulbs